Translating Hardy: Jazz Center Decision Could Create Bigger Problem

Jaxson Hayes might start for the Utah Jazz while Jusuf Nurkić is sidelined. Will Hardy just offered a pretty good reason why that might be the least interesting part of the equation.

The Jazz have an opening at center, several potential replacements and a head coach who seems more interested in combinations than commitments.

“I think we are going to blend size with some of the smalls,” Hardy said, per Shreyas Laddha. He also indicated that Utah would experiment with varying numbers of big men on the floor.

Translation?

Hayes might be the obvious replacement for Nurkić … but starting doesn't necessarily mean staying.

Nurkić will be reevaluated in four weeks after suffering a partial plantar plate tear in the second toe of his right foot. Hayes started alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. in Tuesday's preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets, offering an early glimpse of Utah's possibilities without its veteran center.

But there's a much bigger problem Hardy needs to solve.

Utah finished last season with the NBA's 29th-ranked defense, allowing 122.3 points per 100 possessions. Experimentation might help the Jazz identify their best combinations, but versatility alone won't fix a defense that spent much of last season getting picked apart.

And simply adding another seven-footer isn't a guaranteed solution.

Hayes averaged 4.1 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. Jackson, despite his reputation as an elite rim protector, averaged just 5.7 rebounds in 30.3 minutes.

Those numbers don't tell the entire story, but they illustrate the challenge.

Playing Hayes alongside Jackson could allow the latter to operate as a help defender, protecting the rim without consistently absorbing the physical responsibilities of a traditional center.

There's an offensive benefit, too. Hayes provides a vertical target for Utah's young guards, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.

But keeping him alongside Jackson and Lauri Markkanen could create another problem.

That combination would occupy three frontcourt spots, potentially squeezing opportunities for Ace Bailey or another perimeter contributor. Hayes also offers little floor spacing, allowing opponents to crowd the paint when he isn't involved in an action.

Move Jackson to center, meanwhile, and Hardy opens another spot for shooting, ballhandling or perimeter defense.

Of course, Jackson would then shoulder more responsibility on the glass and against opposing centers.

Translation No. 2?

Hardy isn't necessarily deciding between big and small lineups. He's deciding which weaknesses Utah can afford to expose.

And that decision could change from possession to possession.

Against bigger opponents, Hayes might be essential. Against quicker teams, Jackson could provide the mobility and offensive flexibility Utah needs at center.

That doesn't necessarily make either player the unquestioned answer.

There's also a fine line between flexibility and indecision. Hardy can experiment throughout the preseason, but inconsistent roles could make it difficult for Utah's young players to develop chemistry once the games count.

Eventually, the Jazz need a dependable rotation, particularly in the closing minutes when defensive rebounds and individual matchups can determine outcomes.

And there's one more complication.

Nurkić's eventual return.

Suppose Utah discovers that its most effective combinations feature Jackson at center. Perhaps Hayes establishes himself as a valuable reserve, or Hardy finds success using more perimeter-oriented lineups.

Where does that leave Nurkić?

The veteran averaged 10.4 rebounds last season and brings a physical presence Utah could certainly use. But if Hardy discovers an effective rotation during his absence, reintroducing him might require more than simply returning him to the starting lineup.

That's why his comments deserve more attention than a routine preseason response.

Hardy has several weeks to determine what works before Nurkić can even be reevaluated. Maybe Hayes establishes himself. Maybe Jackson becomes the preferred option at center. Or maybe Utah discovers that all its size still doesn't guarantee a dependable defense.

Whatever happens, Hardy will eventually have to stop experimenting and start deciding.

And when Nurkić returns, he might discover that the Jazz have already made one of those decisions for him.